Santo Domingo – The Ministry of Public Health reported a 78% reduction in malaria cases across the Dominican Republic compared to the same period in 2025, marking significant progress in the country’s fight against the mosquito-borne disease.
According to the latest epidemiological data through week 13 of the year, only 79 confirmed malaria cases have been recorded nationwide, with zero cases reported in the most recent week. The incidence rate now stands at 2.86 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, down from 12.88 per 100,000 during the same timeframe last year.
Health officials attributed the decline to sustained efforts in case detection, prompt treatment, and preventive measures, including active case finding, epidemiological surveillance, and targeted interventions in identified transmission hotspots.
The Ministry also reported zero confirmed dengue cases during the most recent week, bringing the yearly total to 65 cases. The dengue incidence rate has decreased to 2.36 per 100,000, reflecting a 20% reduction compared to the previous year.
No cases of leptospirosis were confirmed in the latest reporting week, though 55 cases have been recorded so far this year, resulting in an incidence of 1.99 per 100,000. Cholera remains absent from the national disease landscape, with zero cases reported to date.
The country continues to maintain its status as free from vaccine-preventable diseases such as polio and rubella, thanks to ongoing immunization programs and timely public health responses.
Respiratory virus activity remains within expected seasonal levels, with ongoing detection of SARS-CoV-2, influenza A (H1N1pdm09 and H3N2), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), parainfluenza, adenovirus, human metapneumovirus, and influenza B, showing only low to moderate weekly fluctuations.
